A Decade of Catalytic Progress in 1,4-Dihydropyridines (1,4-DHPs) Synthesis (2016-2024)

Abstract

1,4-Dihydropyridines (1,4-DHPs) are highly versatile and bioactive compounds known for their pharmacological properties, including cardiovascular, anticancer, and antioxidant activities. Traditional synthesis methods often involve harsh conditions, such as high temperatures, toxic reagents, and lengthy reaction times, leading to poor yields and environmental concerns. Consequently, there has been a growing focus on developing more sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly alternatives for their synthesis. Among these, the catalytic one-pot multicomponent reaction (MCR) method has emerged as a promising strategy, offering high efficiency. Catalysts play a crucial role in enhancing reaction efficiency and selectivity, with various systems—metal-based, organocatalysts, polymer-supported catalysts, and enzymatic catalysts—each offering unique advantages. Metal catalysts provide high reactivity and selectivity, organocatalysts are more environmentally benign, polymersupported catalysts offer improved stability and sustainability, and enzymatic catalysts enable highly specific reactions under mild conditions. However, challenges such as catalyst cost, reusability, scalability, and substrate scope remain. This review examines catalytic strategies for 1,4-DHPs synthesis from 2016 to 2024, highlighting reaction conditions, substrates, and yields. The analysis aims to inspire further exploration of new catalytic methods, expanding the application of 1,4-DHPs in medicinal chemistry.